The Jeep® Wrangler has a rich history dating back to the iconic Willys MB in 1941. The Jeep lineup received many innovations over the years, but it was the 1972 Jeep CJ that changed the iconic off-roader forever. It was the year, that Jeep introduced a 5.0-liter (304 cubic-inch) V8 as an optional engine choice.
From 1972 to 1981, the 304 V8 remained an optional powerplant in the CJ lineup. From 1972 to 1978, the 304 V8 engine produced 150 horsepower @ 4,200 rpm and 245 lb.-ft. of torque @ 2,500 rpm. The cast-iron block featured five main bearings with early engines having an 8.4:1 compression ratio. The 1979 to 1981 models were rated at 125 horsepower and 220 lb.-ft. of torque.
Since 1981, diehard Jeep fans have been asking for a V8 engine to return to the now Wrangler lineup. Aftermarket outfitters like America’s Most Wanted 4×4 in Holly, Michigan have been stuffing HEMI V8s into Wranglers and now Gladiators for a number of years. Now, Jeep is ready to relaunch a V8 into the Wrangler for the first time in 40 years.
Enter the 2021 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon 392. Jeep decided not to just stuff a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 under the hood of its popular Wrangler (JL) Rubicon, but have put the SRT engineered 6.4-liter (392 cubic-inch) HEMI V8 in. The 6.4-liter is said to be the most powerful Wrangler ever with 470 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque, and a 0-60 mph time of fewer than five seconds, as shown in the Rubicon 392 Concept earlier this year.
We will be covering the 2021 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon 392 more throughout the day, so stay tuned. You can also discuss more about the newest Wrangler offering in our forums, after the debut.
